Preparing for Your Dental Crown Procedure

The 2024 Oral Health Surveillance Report shows that adults 20-64 have an average of 0.7 decayed teeth, six filled teeth, and two missing teeth. A dental crown is a common and effective way to protect a damaged tooth and restore your smile, but if your dentist tells you you need one, you might wonder what to expect.

At Fremaux Dental Care, we want you to feel informed and confident every step of the way. This blog will walk you through what a dental crown is, why you might need one, how to prepare, and what the procedure involves.

Dental crowns explained

Dental crowns (tooth-shaped caps that fit over damaged or weakened teeth) help protect your tooth and restore its shape, strength, and appearance. There are several reasons we might recommend a crown, with common examples including:

• Protecting a tooth with a large cavity that a regular filling can’t fix
• Restoring a broken or cracked tooth
• Strengthening a tooth after root canal treatment
• Supporting a dental bridge
• Covering a discolored or misshapen tooth

We also fit crowns onto dental implants — replacement tooth roots that offer the most long-lasting and natural solution for missing teeth.

No matter the reason, a crown helps protect the tooth from additional damage and improves your bite and smile.

Crowns are often made from porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of materials. We help you choose the best type of crown based on the location of the problem tooth and your specific needs.

Dental crown fitting preparation

The first step is a consultation with your dentist at Fremaux Dental Care. During this visit, we take X-rays to check the health of your tooth and the bone around it. If everything looks good, we schedule your crown procedure.

Before the day of your appointment, there’s usually not much you need to do. However, we have a few tips to help you feel ready.

Brush and floss your teeth well the night before and the morning of your appointment. Eat a light meal, especially if your dentist recommends avoiding food for a few hours after the procedure.

Ask questions if you’re unsure about anything. We’re always happy to explain what’s coming next.

Crown fitting

The process for getting a dental crown usually takes two visits.

Visit 1: Tooth preparation and temporary crown

During your first visit, we numb the area around the tooth so you don’t feel any discomfort, then remove any decay and shape the tooth to make room for the crown.

Next, we take impressions of your tooth so we can design a crown that fits exactly. We fit a temporary crown that protects your tooth while the lab creates your permanent custom crown.

It’s important to be gentle with your temporary crown. Avoid sticky and hard foods, and use the other side of your mouth to chew if possible.

Visit 2: Permanent crown placement

A few weeks after visit one, your permanent crown will be ready. At your second visit, we remove the temporary crown, then check the fit and color of the permanent crown. We cement the new crown in place once everything looks and feels right.

This second appointment is usually quicker and doesn’t require as much work as the first. We aim to complete the restoration as soon as possible to optimize the crown’s life expectancy.

After your crown fitting, it may feel a little strange at first, but that’s normal, and your mouth should adjust within a few days. Let us know if your bite feels off or the crown is too high. A slight adjustment makes a big difference in comfort.

You may also have some mild sensitivity to hot or cold temporarily. This usually goes away as your tooth settles. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help if you feel sore after the procedure.

Caring for dental crowns

A crown can last many years if you take good care of it. Here’s how to keep it in great shape:

• Brush and floss daily to keep teeth clean and healthy
• Avoid chewing on hard objects, such as ice or pens
• Wear a night guard if you routinely grind your teeth while sleeping
• Visit us regularly for checkups and cleanings

Even though the crown itself can’t get a cavity, the tooth underneath still can. That’s why good oral hygiene is so important.

We know that dental work can feel intimidating, but we’re here to make your experience as smooth and comfortable as possible. Whether it’s your first crown or just the latest step in your dental care journey, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Have questions or need to schedule your appointment? Give Fremaux Dental Care a call or complete the online inquiry form.